Thin-film coated waveguide laser

Abstract

A radio frequency (RF) excited waveguide gas laser has a hollow wavegide defined by dielectric or lossy materials and metal electrodes coated by thin films with small absorptions so that the metal electrodes are separated from the filling gas and the waveguide loss is very low. With such thin films on the electrodes, a sealed-off, high-power, compact waveguide gas laser having an extended life is realized.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a waveguide laser of the type having a hollow waveguide defined by opposing metal electrodes and dielectric or lossy materials insulating said metal electrodes from each other, the improvement comprising: thin films provided on opposed surfaces of said metal electrodes said thin films being made of a material whose absorption loss at an oscillating wavelength of said laser is low.